Photobiomodulation and Migraine: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

Background: Migraine is a prevalent and disabling neurological disorder involving mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, altered cortical excitability, and neurovascular dysregulation. Photobiomodulation, a noninvasive intervention based on red or near-infrared light, has emerged as a promising strategy due to its multimodal biological effects. Objective: This narrative review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the biological mechanisms and therapeutic potential of photobiomodulation in migraine. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE for studies published up to June 2026, focusing on photobiomodulation, low-level laser therapy, migraine, headache, and related biological mechanisms. Results: Mechanistic evidence indicates that photobiomodulation enhances mitochondrial respiration, increases ATP production, restores redox homeostasis, and modulates nitric oxide signaling, contributing to improved cerebral perfusion and neurovascular coupling. In addition, photobiomodulation attenuates neuroinflammatory responses by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and glial activation while promoting neuroplasticity and cortical homeostasis. Preclinical models relevant to migraine, including trigeminovascular activation, nitroglycerin-induced hypersensitivity, and cortical spreading depression, support its translational plausibility by demonstrating reductions in hyperalgesia, oxidative stress, and neural inflammation. Conclusion: Although migraine-specific evidence remains limited, photobiomodulation represents a safe and potentially disease-modifying therapeutic approach. Future controlled clinical trials are needed to determine optimal stimulation parameters and clinical efficacy in migraine management.